NBA Trade Grades: Four-team deal shakes up the Eastern Conference

Ahead of the NBA trade deadline on Thursday, fans are losing their minds over a four-team deal that just went down. 

If you were looking for some late drama leading up to the NBA trade deadline, we’ve been delivered just that. On Thursday, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski has reported the final details on a four-team trade between the Kings, Bucks, Clippers and Pistons.

While this isn’t a James Harden to Philadelphia report, this is still a move that shakes things up for the Eastern Conference. Below, you can find our trade grades for each squad.

Sacramento Kings trade grade: B

It’s been another disappointing year for the Kings, who are clearly in a long rebuild (lol what else is new, amirite???). The team just traded Buddy Hield and Tyrese Haliburton to Indiana, but bringing in Donte DiVincenzo is something that should excite the fanbase. It was also clear that Marvin Bagley III didn’t have a future with this team either, but whether that’s an indictment on his talents or the ability of the front office to do its job right is yet to be seen.

Los Angeles Clippers trade grade: D

Rodney Hood and Semi Ojele in exchange for Serge Ibaka? This is not what’s going to please the fanbase. Ibaka is a veteran big man known for being a force in the paint. You would have figured the LA front office would have been able to get more in return for him. Hood and Ojele won’t be difference-makers for the Clippers.

Milwaukee Bucks trade grade: B+

This could turn out to be a brilliant move for Milwaukee, as the Bucks are hoping to repeat as NBA Finals champs. Ibaka fills a position of need for them down low. While Ibaka won’t light up the scoreboard – he’s averaging 6.6 points per contest – he’s aggressive in the paint and will provide Milwaukee with some key minutes. The Milwaukee supporters should be excited about this one.

Detroit Pistons trade grade: B+

We’re also giving the Pistons a B+ here. Bagley’s career hasn’t quite taken off as expected after he was taken No. 2 overall in the 2018 NBA Draft, but a change in scenery might help him reach his potential sooner than later.

Bagley is averaging 9.3 points and 7.2 rebounds per outing this campaign. Detroit didn’t give up much to give the former first-round pick a chance. This could prove to be a golden decision by the Detroit front office down the road.